Reptiles

Reptiles and especially snakes appear to be significant archetypal forms that have found much expression in ancient art. The ouroboros is a commonly found motif, examples of which can be seen in the Neolithic Chinese pig dragon carvings in jade. Theriomorphic, half human half animal, deities with reptilian forms include; Sobek, the crocodile god who represented pharaonic and military power, fertility by association with the Nile and as protector. The cobra was not only associated with the sun god Ra, but also many other deities both good and malevolent. Ancient Greeks also expressed many reptilian forms in their art as can be seen in the statuettes of the Minoan Snake Goddess who holds a serpent in each hand, possibly intended to represent wisdom.